Maria Von Trapp, Inspiration For 'The Sound Of Music' Dies At 99

@MusicalNikki13
Maria Von Trapp, the last surviving original member of the famed Von Trapp family, was found dead on Tuesday (February 18th) in her Vermont home at the age of 99. Von Trapp has suffered from a heart condition since childhood.
Maria was the second-eldest daughter and the third born of the seven siblings and it was her heart condition that prompted her father to have her teach her siblings how to sing, which prompted one of the most famous musical collaborations in history.
The musical and accompanying movie about her family were based loosely on a book she wrote about how her father married his second wife and how they escaped Nazi-controlled Austria during World War II. In the 1965 film starring Julie Andrews, Maria was portrayed by Heather Menzies-Urich as the character Louisa.
Maria Von Trapp is survived by her half siblings Rosmarie von Trapp, Johannes von Trapp and Eleonore Von Trapp Campbell.
Check out this vintage clip of The Von Trapp Family performing:
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6j376yOlm4[/embed]